Programmable Switch Controller for 5G Xhaul Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation wireless communication networks, such as 5G, managing complex connections and ensuring service level agreements across different network slices and service requirements is challenging due to the lack of automated programming mechanisms for switches in the xHaul transport domain.
Innovation Solution
A switch controller is introduced to manage programmable switches along xHaul connections, receiving notifications for packet data unit sessions and applying network policies to ensure service requirements are met, including Class of Service and security policies, by interacting with the orchestration system and CU in the RAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration methods are used for switches in xHaul transport domain, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but automation extent and management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch controller as an intermediary device between the orchestration system and the programmable switches. The switch controller receives service requirement information from the orchestration system, translates it into configuration instructions, and programs the switches automatically. This intermediary approach enables automated configuration without requiring direct complex interactions between the orchestration system and multiple switches, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable switches are deployed in xHaul connections, then adaptability to different service requirements is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The switch controller is designed to automatically program the programmable switches based on service requirement information received from the orchestration system. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual intervention for each switch programming task. The controller translates high-level service requirements into specific switch configurations automatically, enabling the network to adapt to different service requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated self-service configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple network slices with different service level agreements are managed, then service quality and reliability are improved, but management complexity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The switch controller pre-establishes configuration templates and policies for different network slices and service level agreements. When new services or slices are deployed, the controller can quickly apply pre-defined configurations rather than creating them from scratch each time. This preliminary preparation of configuration schemes enables the system to maintain high reliability and compliance with service level agreements across multiple network slices while significantly reducing the time required for configuration and management operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor configured to receive wireless communication network policies from an orchestration system. The device may be further configured to receive a notification from a radio access network (RAN) central unit (CU) that a packet data unit (PDU) session has been set up in the RAN, wherein the notification includes information associated with the PDU session; identify a programmable switch associated with the PDU session; select a policy, from the plurality of wireless communication network policies, based on the information associated with the PDU session; and configure the programmable switch to apply the selected policy to the PDU session.